Do Your Double-Hung Windows Provide
An Easy Entry To Your Home?

Window
pinning can be an effective way of securing double-hung windows
(and some sliding windows). We run into a lot of double-hung
windows, usually in older homes, that could use this type of
protection. Many have locks/latches that are broken or the two
window sections don’t line up preventing the window from being
secured.

Best Application: On older
double-hung windows that have wooden frames and require extra
protection. Not recommended for use on vinyl windows – it may even
void their warranty.

NOTE: using this window
pinning procedure still allows someone in the home to escape
through the window should that become necessary. Never
use any method of securing windows that would violate any
codes or prevent someone from escaping in an emergency
situation.

1. Close the window and, if
possible, secure it using the existing lock/latch. If you can't
secure the window, make sure both the upper and lower sections
are shut tight as they must overlap as much as possible.

2.
You will want to drill a hole through the inside sash and
one-half to three-quarters of the way through the outside sash.
See figure A. Measure this distance(depth). Once you have the
depth to drill, you may want to place a piece of masking tape on
the drill bit at the same distance. This can be your guide for
how deep to drill.

3. Starting on the left side,
carefully drill the hole at a slightly downward angle but no
deeper than the depth you measured in step 2 (or the start of
the masking tape on the drill bit).

4. Repeat Step 3 on the right side and insert a 16-penny nail
into each hole.

Test the new security by unlocking
the latch and trying to open the window with just the nails in
place.

NOTE: You may want to cut off
the tips of the nails so that just the nail heads are
visible and sticking out. Use a bolt cutters or hack saw to
shorten them.

If you want the option of leaving
one or more windows open
(4” to 6”) and still remain secure, you may drill two additional
holes as follows:

Open the window the desired height
(but no more than 6”); Using the existing holes on the inside
sash, drill a second set of holes one-half to three-quarters of
the way through the outside sash; Insert the 16-penny nails
through the inner sash and into these “ventilation” holes and
test by trying to open the window wider.

Disclaimer:
I have made every reasonable effort to produce an informative
and helpful article on How To Pin Windows based on my research
and experiences. However, I make no representation or warranties
of any kind with regard to its completeness, accuracy or
suitability for any specific situation or purpose. See our
Warranty Policy for more info.